The great thing about going to the beach is staying a while. The rhythms of the surf, the sea air — they work a relaxing magic on stress as you swim and snooze, read a book or chat with friends. We suggest you make the most of your day with a beach umbrella, which will provide privacy and shade and lay claim to your turf. At Shade USA, there are several to choose from. Our favorite for groups is the 20-panel rainbow beach umbrella ($35). The canopy is seven feet in diameter, can be tilted as you like, has an SPF rating of 100 and is water resistant. This one comes with a free self-anchoring system, so you don’t have to purchase a separate sand anchor. Half the size and almost two-thirds less expensive (not to mention much lighter to haul at three pounds) is the clamp-on beach umbrella ($13). It attaches to any arm-rest or tubular frame piece and has an SPF of 35. Or go all out with a Solartek Windbrella ($50), with a six-foot canopy made of a silver fabric that bounces 95 percent of UV rays. Of course, you may forgo the umbrella and bring along a Kelsyus Recline Backpack Chair and UV Canopy ($40; pictured) instead or a Fargason tent chair ($60) if you don’t plan to flatten out on a towel. These portable chairs provide their own shade. The Kelsyus has a drink holder; the Fargason has zippered side windows. And don’t forget a body board for riding waves and frolicking in the surf. A fine entry-level board is the Baja, by Morey (on sale for $65). The Dimple bottom-skin increases speed while the grooved slots minimize turbulence and hold the waves. We like that it comes with a wrist leash so you needn’t spend time hunting for your board if you wipe out. Add towels, summer reading and a cooler full of snacks, and you’ll be awfully close to heaven.